Translation of c-Met Targeted Image-Guided Surgery Solutions in Oral Cavity Cancer—Initial Proof of Concept Data

Intraoperative tumor identification (extension/margins/metastases) via receptor-specific targeting is one of the ultimate promises of fluorescence-guided surgery. The translation of fluorescent tracers that enable tumor visualization forms a critical component in the realization of this approach. Ex vivo assessment of surgical specimens after topical tracer application could help provide an intermediate step between preclinical evaluation and first-in-human trials. Here, the suitability of the c-Met receptor as a potential surgical target in oral cavity cancer was explored via topical ex vivo application of the fluorescent tracer EMI-137. Freshly excised tumor specimens obtained from ten patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were incubated with EMI-137 and imaged with a clinical-grade Cy5 prototype fluorescence camera. In-house developed image processing software allowed video-rate assessment of the tumor-to-background ratio (TBR). Fluorescence imaging results were related to standard pathological evaluation and c-MET immunohistochemistry. After incubation with EMI-137, 9/10 tumors were fluorescently illuminated. Immunohistochemistry revealed c-Met expression in all ten specimens. Non-visualization could be linked to a more deeply situated lesion. Tumor assessment was improved via video representation of the TBR (median TBR: 2.5 (range 1.8–3.1)). Ex vivo evaluation of tumor specimens suggests that c-Met is a possible candidate for fluorescence-guided surgery in oral cavity cancer.

Clinical Study Regarding the Property of Composite Resin, Sealants, using VISTACAM iX

Purpose of the articleto carry out an epidemiological study on the use of sealing as a method of preventing dental caries and to assess the tightness and integrity over time of composite resins used to seal pits and fissures using the VistaCam iX intraoral fluorescence camera. Based on the premise that dentists do not have enough confidence in sealing pits and fissures as a method of preventing dental caries, we assessed if sealing is used in current practice as a prevention metod of tooth decay, and we measured, with high performance intraoral camera such as the VistaCam iX device, the tightness and integrity of composite resin seals.

Experimental measurements of the Paschen–Back effect in helium triplet transitions

Experimental confirmation of the theoretical calculations of the Zeeman and Paschen–Back effects in the prominent 2 3S – 2 3P He I 1083 nm near-infrared (NIR) transition by means of high-resolution spectroscopy is reported. A novel approach using a small-pixel-size fluorescence camera delivers required spectral resolution. In particular, it allows to quantify with good precision the spectral shift of the weak λ0 = 1082.9 nm line from the zero magnetic field position. Measurements of the strong visible (VIS) He I 587 and 706 nm triplet line shapes are reported for B = 0–1.0 T interval, indicating nonlinear wave function mixing as well.

Design, manufacture and test of a dental camera using fluorescence technique

Dental caries is a major oral health problem in most industrialised countries and is still a major cause of tooth loss. The early diagnostics of caries is of great importance for children and adults to facilitate the treatment and prevention of the diseases. In this study, a fluorescence camera was designed and manufactured for this purpose. This device includes a 380-nm LED, which stimulates porphyrins - metabolic products of the life cycle of caries-inducing bacteria to emit fluorescence, and a compact camera recording fluorescence images in real time. The device is connected to computer via usb cable. An archiving software helps save shots as image or video. The weight and size of this device are suitable for the visual inspection in oral cavity and can be used in daily dental practice. The test results showed that this fluorescence camera can detect some types of carious lesions including dental plaque, dental caries, hidden caries and early caries. Besides, this tool has a number of advantages such as noninvasiveness, safety (non-ionizing radiation), mobility, rapid test time, and economical.